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Gear up your friends and family with merch from your favorite Park District facility!
The ParkShop has something special for everyone. Choose from knit caps, hats, mugs, tote bags, blankets, and so much more! We even have puzzles! Fun for the whole family this holiday season. Visit the ParkShop for the perfect gift!
Proceeds from all shop sales go to the Parks Foundation of Highland Park. The Parks Foundation raises funds to ensure that every Highland Park/Highwood resident can access Park District programs and works to support the parks and facilities that bring our community together.
Not sure what to get? Purchase a ParkShop gift card!
Shop Sunset Valley Golf Club’s end-of-season sale with:
Purchases must be made in person.
Gift cards can also be purchased for those golf lovers in your life! Gift cards are sold at Sunset Valley Golf Club or online.
1390 Sunset Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
Give the gift of staying healthy! Purchase our 10-pack of Core Plus Day Passes! Each pass includes a full facility access day to all Recreation Center of Highland Park amenities including equipment on the fitness floor, open/lap swim, running/walking track, open gym, and the entire drop-in group exercise schedule!
Park District of Highland Park gift cards are great gift ideas for teachers, kids, moms, and dads, or that “hard to buy for” friend or relative. Buy a stack of cards to keep at home for last minute gifts. Gift cards are available in any denomination. and may be redeemed online or in person.
To purchase, visit the Recreation Center of Highland Park at 1207 Park Ave West or online.
Life is full of occasions to celebrate – weddings, births, anniversaries, the lives of loved ones lost. The Parks Foundation’s Tribute and Memorial Gift program offers you the opportunity for recognition of special occasions and loved ones with the gift of a tree, bench, or brick for placement in our parks. Proceeds from your donation go to improving our community parks and facilities.
For questions and to submit forms, please contact Mike Evans at mevans@pdhp.org or call 847.579.4085.
Choose from a selection of trees in a selected park. A 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque with your personalized message is displayed at the base of your tree. Orders are accepted throughout the year; plantings are dependent upon availability, season and weather.
New Tree: $1,500 (includes warranty for 3 years)
To purchase a tree, complete this form and send it to mevans@pdhp.org.
Park benches are 6-foot-wide with a personalized 2.75” x 5” raised lettering plaque. The exact location will be coordinated at the time of purchase and is subject to approval by Park District staff.
Park Bench: $3,000 (includes warranty for 10 years)
To purchase a bench, complete this form and send it to mevans@pdhp.org.
Bricks inscribed with your personal message are available at several locations around the Park District. Recognition will be given on a 4” x 8” brick paver. A message is engraved with the wording of your choice (three lines with 13 characters per line). Orders are sent in to the fabricator on March 1 and August 1 of each year.
Brick Paver: $200
For questions, contact mevans@pdhp.org.
The Parks Foundation also offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to give major gifts, such as underwriting the cost of playgrounds, buildings, and additions, or gifting an item to one of our facilities. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please contact Brian Romes, Executive Director of the Park District of Highland Park, at brianromes@pdhp.org.
After 30+ years, the time has come to say farewell to what remains of the gazebo and fishing pier at Danny Cunniff’s pond. Once grander in scale, the fishing deck’s pier was removed in an effort to prolong the gazebo’s life for a few more years. This extended lifespan has now reached its end and the Park District plans to remove what remains of the gazebo and fishing deck in the next few months.
For any questions or comments, please contact planning@pdhp.org.
Architect consultants, Holabird and Root, presented renovation and new construction options for the West Ridge Parks and Site Project. Following feedback from the Committee, the team will take time to complete a proforma analysis on programs proposed for the West Ridge Center. The final report from Holabird and Root and Gilbane will return to the Park Board alongside the results of the proforma.
The First Northeastern District of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois donated life-saving materials to the Park District as part of the “Stop the Bleed” Program.
Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to approve at the November 16 Regular Meeting the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2022-07, where the estimated percentage increase in the proposed 2023 aggregate levy over the amount of real estate taxes extended upon the final 2022 aggregate levy based on 5% tax cap and anticipated growth is 6.99%.
Staff reviewed a draft of the Five-Year Capital Plan.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Centennial Ice Arena Renovation Project Change Order #5 in the amount of $184,295 for East Facia Improvements.
Lastly, staff provided construction updates for the Danny Cunniff Park Pond Deck Removal project, the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, the Centennial Ice Arena Rink Floor Replacement project, the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Replacement project, the Moraine Beach Pathway project, and Districtwide Asphalt projects.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 Board Meeting Calendar, the 2023 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2022-07, the 2023 Heller Nature Center HVAC Replacement Bid, and the Ground Lease Agreement between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park, for 1755 St. Johns Avenue.
Staff presented the 2022 summer camp report.
The fruits of your feedback have arrived!
The Park District is excited to share the final playground renovation design for Moroney’s Weil Tot Lot. Following several rounds of community engagement, the collected feedback was translated into the final equipment selection and playground layout. See updated playground design rendering here.
The Park District would also like to share the redesigned playground entrance pathway, which will be ADA accessible and ease the slope into the playground. Through community engagement, the desire for stroller parking was heard, and will be included at the entrance path. See updated entrance pathway plan here.
Next Steps: We are on track to bid out this project in December and construction is anticipated to begin in the spring.
Introduce your child to the magical world of theatre with the perfect blend of acting, singing, dancing and fun! An instructor will build upon the unique personalities each child brings, while also providing campers with pertinent tools that will help them advance to the next level of their theatrical journey. At the end of the week, campers will be able to share their progress with loved ones through an energetic and age appropriate showcase! Campers will also be able to flex their technical skills by constructing props, costume and set pieces! This camp offers everything and more!
Your artistic journey awaits! There’s lots in store with this jam-packed introductory theatre camp! This camp will allow aspiring young actors to gain confidence and ace their next audition. Campers will also learn acting and directing techniques from industry professionals. Hone in on special skills and end the week with a new theatrical resume, audition package and professional headshot! Campers will have a mini showcase at the end of the week for friends and family. What else are you waiting for? Register today!
Spend winter break with some of your favorite summer camp staff. Campers will participate in some of their favorite camp activities like gymnastics, ice skating, swimming, open gym, camp games, arts & crafts, and weather permitting – outside snow play! Participants must bring their own lunch each day.
Get out of the house and hit the courts this winter break. Drill and play with our pros and also play some games. New activities for smaller kids and board games. Pack lunch with your child.
YES, AND! This camp will allow aspiring young comedians to think quick on their feet and dive deep into what it takes to be an improvisational actor! Through movement exercises, fun and energetic games, and exploring action and reaction, campers will build confidence and enhance their social skills. Looking for a fun way to laugh and connect with your peers? Look no further! This camp takes an active approach in introducing teens to dreaming big and acting loud-with no limits!
Get ready for an epic battle between good and evil! Discover what qualities makes a hero and a villain! Determine what fights are worth fighting, as well as the power of friendship and collaboration. With activities, crafts, and games based on everyone’s favorite superheroes, princesses, and villains, this camp is sure to capture the imagination and inspire animation and adventure. Campers will get to choose their favorite heroes and villains—embracing the persona, characteristics, and stylings that make them so fantastically awesome! Register today and explore this WORLD of camp that has never been seen!
Travel around the world through dance! This brand new mini workshop will offer students the opportunity to experience different dance cultures and expand their knowledge on many styles of dance. Students will tell stories through movement and get a well-rounded understanding of dance fundamentals. This workshop will give dancers the freedom to be explorative of themselves, while having fun and creating lifelong memories!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Before heading to your favorite Park District facility, be sure to check our Thanksgiving hours.
| Facility | Thursday, November 24 | Friday, November 25 | Saturday, November 26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Ice Arena | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Deer Creek Racquet Club | 8am-noon | 6:30am-noon | 7:30am-6pm |
| Heller Nature Center | Building Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk | Building Closed, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk | Building Open 9am-3pm, Trails Open 7:30am to Dusk |
| Highland Park Golf Learning Center | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Lincoln School (Gymnastics) | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Recreation Center of Highland Park (Fitness) | 7am-noon | 7am-4pm | 7am-6pm |
| River's Edge Mini Golf | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Sunset Valley Golf Club | 8am-4pm (weather permitting) | 8am-4pm (weather permitting) | 8am-4pm (weather permitting) |
| West Ridge Center | Closed | Closed | Closed |
This week, Park District crews added a layer of protective mulch around select trees in Sunset Woods Park, as a follow-up to the air spading project that addressed soil compaction. Properly applied, the mulch layer helps regulate soil temperature and moisture to promote root health.
Staff reviewed the Park District’s Fund Balance Policy and received consensus from the Finance Committee to maintain a minimum balance of 25% in the General and Recreation Funds, maintain a minimum balance of 15% in the Special Recreation Fund, and remove the Debt Service Fund policy.
Staff also reviewed the Draft Five-Year Capital Plan including projections for Fiscal Year 2022 and proposed Capital Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2023.
Lastly, staff provide an overview of a proposed Recreation Sub-Fund for Park Avenue Boating Facility and received consensus from the Finance Committee to create the proposed Sub-Fund.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2022-06 A Declaration Honoring Executive Director Brian Romes for his contributions to the Park District of Highland Park and the extended community in response to the Fourth of July Mass Shooting.
Staff provided construction updates for the Fink Park Athletic Field Development project, Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project and the Rink Floor Replacement project, Hidden Creek AquaPark Concrete Pool Deck and Shade Structure Replacement project, Findings from the structural survey conducted by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) for Deer Creek Racquet Club, Districtwide Lighting projects, Recreation Center of Highland Park Dehumidification System Replacement project, Moraine Beach Pathway project, and the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Replacement project.
Staff provided an overview and recommendation of the 2023 Tax Levy. Further discussions will take place at the November 9 Workshop Meeting.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved purchasing Replacement Shade Structures at Hidden Creek AquaPark; the changes to Policy # 3.02.4 Fund Balance; the changes to Policy # 3.15 Purchasing; the changes to Policy # 4.02 for Naming or Renaming Parks, Buildings, and Facilities in the Park District of Highland Park Policy Manual; purchasing Golf Maintenance Equipment; purchasing Capital Replacement Zero-Turn Mowers; purchasing Life Fitness Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bikes; the 2022-2023 Sunset Valley Golf Club Cart Path Bridge Replacement and Removal Agreement; entering into an agreement with Camera Corner Connecting Point for purchase of the 2023 Infrastructure Upgrade Project Phase 2 Equipment in the amount of $106,235.74; and Section 7.6 of Part-Time the Part-Time and Full-Time Employee Personnel Policy Manuals: Flexible Spending Account.
Facility is closed Monday, August 15 – Friday, August 19
Indoor Pool is Closed Monday, August 15 – Sunday, August 28
Outdoor Group Exercise Schedule**
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30am Cycle | 8:30am Zumba | 8:30am Cycle | 9:30am HIIT | 8:30am Zumba |
| 9:30am Strength | 9:30am Cardio Sculpt | 9:30am Barre | 9:30am Yoga | 9:30am Strength |
Beach Yoga (Free for RCHP Members)
Wednesday and Friday, 7-8am
Sachs Recreation Center, Deerfield
All active members of the Recreation Center are welcome to use Sachs Recreation Center (455 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield) between August 15 – 19. Provide your RCHP membership scan card for entry.
Hidden Creek Lap Swim, August 15 – 28
Hidden Creek Aqua Fitness Schedule**
**Weather permitting. Classes are 45 minutes.
Centennial Ice Arena is temporarily closed, and ice programs will not be offered in Fall 2022 due to an unexpected and necessary replacement of the rink floor.
An unknown issue was uncovered on the rink floor during our regular annual maintenance in June. Since then, the Park District has acted swiftly to conduct an exhaustive investigation of the facility and ice flooring system with an engineering firm. The findings confirmed that the building is structurally sound. However, the rink floor has been compromised and will require complete replacement.
This is very disappointing for our Park District, our participants, and the community. Our top priority is to deliver essential recreation programs to our community safely. To this end, we have a number of options for our skaters:
Off-Ice Programs – Students can improve athleticism by working on flexibility, core strength, balance, and jump techniques to enhance their on-ice performance. Programs will be held this fall at the Recreation Center of Highland Park. Learn more and register.
On-Ice Programs – We have partnered with the Winnetka Park District to provide Learn-to-Skate programs for our skaters this Fall at the Winnetka Ice Arena ( 490 Hibbard, Winnetka, IL). The Winnetka Park District is also generously extending resident rates to Highland Park residents for their Fall Learn-to-Skate programs. Learn more and register for Winnetka Learn-to-Skate classes.
On-Ice Hockey Programs – Looking to learn how to play hockey? Contact Nick Meo, Falcons Hockey Association, at nmeo15@gmail.com for more information.
An expeditious replacement of the ice rink flooring is a priority for the Park District. We will keep residents and our Centennial ice participants updated on the replacement of the rink floor timeline and progress.
The Park District’s gymnastics programs will continue to be offered at Lincoln School, located at 711 Lincoln Ave. Register for fall gymnastics classes.